"Salazar to Request Funding for Subway Terror Training"

"Salazar to Request Funding for Subway Terror Training"

John Norton, Pueblo Chieftain

Rep. John Salazar said Friday he plans to ask for $15 million to fund a new facility that would emulate a subway rail environment at the Transportation Technology Center Inc.

Salazar, D-Colo., who visited the research facility last month, said that Thursday's terror attacks in London drove home the need to train emergency workers in dealing with subway attacks.

The TTCI, a research facility operated by the Association of American Railroads, performs research for the railroad industry and government agencies and maintains one of the world's top training programs for emergency responders to rail accidents that involve hazardous materials.

"In light of yesterday's bombings in the London underground rail system, the research conducted at this site has taken on even greater importance," said Salazar.

"Pueblo's test track site has already contributed to increased rail safety around the country and has the potential to save the lives of millions. We need to do what we can to keep ahead of the curve and keep this cutting-edge technology on track. Funding this rail project is imperative to our national security."

TTCI wants to build a more than mile-long above-ground tunnel over a portion of one of its research tracks in order to simulate conditions in a subway.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co03_salazar/ttciarticle.html